I just did a Boston Cream Pie (really a cake, for those not familiar) and did a fab ganache using Scharffenberger chocolate (semi sweet). I don't think choc buttercream on top could improve a high-quality choc ganache. Just my opinon! (And ganache is so fast and easy . . . pour it over cake and so pretty).

Yum!

Logged

Is this where I blame iPhone and cuss like an old fighter pilot's wife?

Depends on whether you are going for a particular look, or just good flavor. If just flavor, I would only do the buttercream if it is for a frosting person (I don't usually like fristing, but your sister might love it). If for looks, just the ganache can be pretty, or it can be dressed up with sprinkles, sparkly sugar, or something like that. But if you are going for a certain look, or trying to tie into a theme, you might need the buttercream to accomplish that.

It was delicious! That cake recipe is huge, I ended up making 3 nine inch rounds (thankfully I have that many pans) and they were good size layers. The salted caramel was incredible! Then I did chocolate ganache instead of regular frosting. Everyone loved it. Definitely something I would make again.

I wrote out all the recipes that HH posted here so they are all titled as "Hedgie's ______________"